Goodwood gets back into the Friday night Groove

A huge crowd is expected for a programme of six races followed by a DJ set from Groove Armada.

The evening is the first of three such events on successive Friday nights and all have been selling well after a successful debut for the series a year ago.

Tonight’s meeting is being well-supported by owners and trainers and Goodwood bosses are stressing that it stands alone as a race meeting for any fans who want to see the action on the track and then disappear before the parade ring is turned into a dance floor.

The card begins at 6.20 with a race for amateur riders, for which there are 16 entries. Sussex handlers Gary Moore and Peter Hedger are among those sending runners to post.

The highlight of the card looks set to be the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Fillies’ Stakes at 8.30, which has a dozen contenders.

Two Richard Hannon-trained three-year-olds, Free Verse and Dreamwriter, will be bound to attract support with the champion trainer set to have another good year on the Downs.

Hayley Turner’s mount Hallelujah will be another well-backed in that race.

Hannon’s entries will also be worth watching in a race for two-year-olds – the Fair Trade Practice EBF Maiden Stakes at 7.25. He runs Olympic Glory and Millers Wharf.

The final race goes off at 9pm, after which the racecourse is transformed into a dance venue as Groove Armada take centre stage.

Their visit to Goodwood comes at the start of a summer that will see them play the Isle of Wight Festival and at events across Europe.

Next Friday, X Factor host Dermot O’Leary is the star turn, while Mike Skinner rounds off the series on June 22.

Only the Gordon and Richmond enclosures will be open and tickets on the night will be £35 for the Richmond and £28 Gordon. Online prices are £32 and £26.

People can buy on the night but Goodwood advise buying in advance to avoid disappointment.

Call 01243 755055 or go to www.goodwood.com

This website will have a report on the action later on Friday night.

Our tips for tonight: 6.20 Potentiale, 6.50 Watered Silk, 7.25 Millers Wharf, 8.00 Man of Plenty, 8.30 Free Verse, 9.00 Present Day.